CP3 girding for task against the Spurs

Chris Paul has a pretty good idea how difficult it will be for his Los Angeles Clippers to beat the Spurs.

Paul’s teams have posted an 11-20 career record against the Spurs. That record includes the 2008 playoffs, when the Spurs notched a stunning Game 7 road victory to eliminate New Orleans in the playoffs.

During 24 regular-season games in his career, Paul has averaged 19.8 points against the Spurs. But he’s averaged only 8.3 assists against them, which ranks as his second-lowest against any opponent.

Those numbers were better in his only previous playoff series against the Spurs in 2008. In a seven-game series loss to the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals, Paul averaged 22.3 points and 10.7 assists while shooting 50.4 percent.

The realization of what is ahead for his team made Paul temper much of his excitement after beating the Grizzlies to advance to the second round.

“As soon as the wheels hit that ground in San Antonio we got some work to do,” Paul told reporters in Memphis.